“The Mendo Cup returned for its second year to Willits in Mendocino County, California on May 3rd, 2026. 11 judges…”

“There’s a version of cannabis culture that doesn’t exist in boardrooms. It doesn’t show up in investor decks… The Mendo Cup is a reflection of that world.”

“This is the only Cup that shares profit with farmers. We are truly a Cup by and for the Community.”

“Last year’s event drew a sold-out crowd of 400 cannabis enthusiasts and cultivators to Little Lake Grange, coming together to celebrate the grassroots culture that put Mendocino County on the map.”

“The Mendocino Producers Guild is hosting the second annual Mendo Cup on May 3 at the Little Lake Grange in Willits.”

“Sunbright Gardens grows everything from seed… WildLand Cannabis is a heady Mendocino mashup… real-deal Mendo craft from growers doing it for all the right reasons.”

“The winners of Best Flower were Sarah, David and Flynn O’Donnell of Sweet Sisters Family Farm for their ‘Biscotti’ flower grown at their farm in Comptche.”

“A sold-out crowd of 400 cannabis enthusiasts packed the Little Lake Grange in Willits for the first-ever Mendo Cup.”

“Mendo Cup has set a new standard for hyperlocal cannabis cups and I not only look forward to Mendo Cup 2026, but also look forward to the revival of other regional cups following this exact model.”

“The Mendo Cup feels like a breath of fresh air and a great reason to spend a weekend in Willits.”

“This is the real deal for small farmers, a chance to shine and showcase their finest strains in a friendly competition.”

“We are taking it back to the roots. It all started here, in the heart of the Emerald Triangle, in the County of Mendocino, where some of the best cannabis on the globe is grown.”

“Tickets were available online only and are sold out — a jury of marijuana breeders, growers and certified cannabis sommeliers called ‘ganjiers’ will blind-judge cannabis flowers submitted by over 30 local small growers.”

Nikki Lastreto joins KMUD’s Cannabis Show to discuss the inaugural Mendo Cup — who’s competing, how judging works, and what the event means for Mendocino County farmers.

“The Mendo Cup — the first cannabis competition organized by farmers, for farmers. Now is the time to shine a spotlight on our OG farmers who, for decades and generations, have used organic methods to cultivate the finest flowers under full sun.”

“Thanks to networking events like the Mendo Cup, seed swaps, Area 101 events… for keeping the culture alive in the Emerald Triangle. We don’t want to compete with slick corporate brands on their terms. We want to rewrite the terms.”

Live coverage and on-the-ground reporting from cannabis journalist and Mendo Cup judge David Downs of the San Francisco Chronicle.